City: Byward Market Area
Top Things to do in Byward Market Area
Top Restaurants in Ottawa
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10 Things to do in Byward Market Area That You Shouldn't Miss
Canada's capital is a compact, clean, cleverly planned center of culture and politics and a destination for every season. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and turns into the world’s largest skating rink when frozen in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.
Restaurants in Ottawa
1. Urban Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Walk through lands that hold thousands of years of history in a country only just recently celebrating its 150th anniversary. Enjoy the views and beloved locales of Ottawa and Gatineau while discovering some of its best hidden secrets. You’ll see all the iconic sights and gain insider knowledge, too! Highlights Have a bi-provincial experience that gives you a 360-degree view of Parliament Hill, both literally and figuratively Walk the historic and bustling districts of Byward Market and Vieux-Hull Learn the importance of the land to the Algonquins, this area’s first inhabitants Discover Ottawa’s outdoor art gallery among the statues, sculptures and hidden murals Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, choice of hot or cold drink at a stop along the route, public transit fare during the tour. Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
2. National Gallery of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,055 reviews
The National Gallery of Canada is committed to offering a welcoming and safe place for our visitors, employees and volunteers. To that end, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have CLOSED the Gallery and cancelled all events and activities until further notice. Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada (Musee des beaux-arts du Canada) holds in trust a collection of European and Canadian paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photos.
Reviewed By whereverman - Hong Kong, China
A national treasure and my favourite spot in Ottawa. The gallery has a wonderful collection of Canadian and Modern Art. The building itself is a work of art with enormous glass ceilings and sunny courtyards between exhibits.
3. Royal Canadian Mint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
Producing coins since 1908, this excellent collecting resource features gold, silver and platinum coins commemorating Canada's heritage.
Reviewed By 650StacyM - Kernersville, United States
This wasn't on my radar to see but came highly recommended by a friend. It didn't disappoint. I was early and was the only person on the tour. My guide was very knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. It was exciting to see the gold and silver rolls. It also helped getting to see the equipment and workers in action as my guide was explaining the process. The tour was the perfect length for learning about the operation and history as well as being able to see the process. I loved learning the trivia regarding the direction of the profiles on their currency. Especially interesting was the story behind the 2010 Olympic medals all forming a puzzle when they are all put together. The gift shop offers some unique gift options as the commemorative coins cover a lot of different interests and subjects. Don't miss getting to pick up the solid gold bar, which feels much heavier than 28 pounds. Go during the week so you can see the place in action. I don't think it would've been quite as impactful without that. It was fun, interesting and a wonderful surprise all around.
4. ByWard Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,956 reviews
WITHIN an area roughly four blocks square, you'll find museums, cafes, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, hair & aesthetics salons and more! Easily accessible on foot, by transit or by car, the ByWard Market offers a unique experience for all. ESTABLISHED by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal, Colonel By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George Street and York Street to be extra wide to accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place.
Reviewed By mifh - Kamloops, Canada
This is a fabulous area to shop in traditional shops, eat in fabulous pubs and restaurants, take in street performers (do tip them) and browse the many street vendors. Great produce, amazing flowers, wonderful bargains in tourist goodies
5. Capital Information Kiosk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
This modern visitor's center contains six interactive computers that will help you plan your stay in the city.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This Kiosk is one stop for planning one’s trip in Ottawa. Located in front of the parliament hill, it has employees who are very courteous and helpful in planning visiting places in Ottawa for the time period that one intends. Certainly worth visiting.
6. Changing of the Guard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Formal ceremony taking place daily during the summer on Parliament Hill that shouldn't be missed.
Reviewed By debrakgrose - Port Perry, Canada
Catch the thrilling spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Come early (9:45 am) to learn about the symbolism, history and proceedings of this free ceremony. Changing the Guard takes place on the East Lawn of Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Canada, every morning, beginning at 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., from late June through late August, and provides a colourful spectacle of pomp, pageantry and music. The parade begins at the Cartier Square Drill Hall with the drum major, followed by the band, and the two divisions of the 'new guard'. Turning north onto Queen Elizabeth Drive, the parade continues underneath the Laurier Avenue bridge and then turns left onto the ramp leading onto Laurier Avenue (Ottawa). then North onto Elgin Street. While the New Guard is en route to Parliament Hill the Old Guard forms up behind the East Block with the colour. They set off at approximately 9:45 a.m. with the Pipes and Drums of the Ceremonial Guard leading. They march to the east lawn and move into position, then they await the New Guard arriving. The New Guard marches north on Elgin Street up to the National War Memorial and onto Wellington Street before the parade arrives on Parliament Hill precisely at 10 a.m. At this time the band begins to play "The 10 Provinces March" by Howard Cable. The parade marches onto the east lawn of Parliament, with the band centred at the northernmost edge of the lawn and facing south. The old guard is in position on the west side of the east lawn and faces the east block, while the new guard marches to the east side of the lawn and faces west towards the old guard. After the old and new guards are formed from three ranks into two and independently dressed off for proper alignment, the two sergeants of the guard – commanders of the two divisions of new guard – advance to be inspected by the company sergeant-major. Following inspection, the number two division sergeant marches to his position while the number one division sergeant stands still. The new guard is then given the order "Get on parade", at which point they advance to the tune of "The British Grenadiers" from the band, and form up dressed off the sergeants of the guard. The new guard's persons and weapons are inspected by the company commander, and they are stood at ease. Following the inspection of the new guard, the old guard is inspected. After this inspection, the sergeants of the guard and division seconds-in-command are ordered to 'take post' – the sergeant of the guard marches from the right flank to directly behind the guard, while the second-in-command marches from the left flank to the right. The parade is then called to the present arms for the marching on of the regimental colours. With the colours marched on, the new guard advances at the slow march, ceremonially 'taking up the ground' from the old guard. The old guard and new guard salute each other at present arms. Following this, the old guard commander presents the key to the Guard Room at Rideau Hall to the new guard commander. The parade is then formed into three ranks and marched off at the slow march, transitioning into the quick march. The order of march differs only in that the old guard is now at the rear. This large-scale production includes a regimental band and pipers. If you love pipes, drums, and full Regimental band then this is a must see event in the summer in Ottawa
7. Major's Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
This pretty park is located near several museums, churches and the Ottawa River.
Reviewed By FarAway752596
Amazing park very well maintained, with beautiful views to the river, islands, bridges and a very nice tavern. A space just to relax, walk, take pictures and enjoy!
8. Nepean Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Lookout offering a beautiful view of the city and a commemorative statue of Canada's founder, Samuel de Champlain.
Reviewed By BeyondPrague - Brno, Czech Republic
I was directed to Napean Point by the people working in the tourist information centre across the street from the Parliament buildings. I was quite disappointed to see that the front of the Parliament was heavily obstructed by construction equipment that will be part of a 10 to15 year upgrade to the structure. Happily, the back of Parliament was still reasonably unobstructed at the time I visited the city and Napean Point was a great place to see it from. Beyond the view of Parliament, the entire panorama of the Ottawa River with Ottawa on one side and Gatineau on the other is quite something to take in from this vantage point. Definitely reccommended!
9. Notre Dame Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
This beautiful and ornate gothic-style cathedral is recognized by its twin spires.
Reviewed By michaelrG7733SL - Wagga Wagga, Australia
Not being religious we still wanted to see Notre Dame and were not disappointed. The building is old and spectacular and reverential. We were lucky in that the Basilica was hosting a female choir at the time so we had the pleasure of exploring the marvelous stained glass windows and ornate columns whilst listening to their pleasant singing. There was a queue to get in and we had to wait 20 minutes to get in but it was well worth it.
10. Supreme Court of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Out of concern for the health and safety of the public and Supreme Court employees, the Supreme Court Building is closed to the public until further notice. Even though you can’t come to the Supreme Court of Canada, the Court can now come to you! 30 minute remote tours will be offered by our guide-interpreters, who will teach you more about the Court and its history through pictures and interesting facts. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
The Supreme Court of Canada is a fantastic building, located close to the parliament building. Could not visit inside as happened to visit on a Sunday. Next time when in Ottawa, will try and take an inside guided tour, on one of the working days.
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